Since this marked their tournament debut, all five matches had to be played according to regulation—and Yamabuki delivered exactly the dominant performance everyone expected, crushing their opponents 5-0 across the board. Fuji's singles match proved particularly devastating, with the Goroku captain managing to win only three games total, setting a new record for the shortest match duration in the tournament's recent history.
The Goroku players, who had harbored hopes of pulling off an upset against the "weak" Seigaku transfers, finally understood the harsh reality. These weren't lucky castoffs—they were genuinely exceptional athletes who had earned their spots on a nationally competitive roster.
Yamabuki's march through the remaining regional matches proved equally methodical. They captured the championship with a perfect 5-0 record, never dropping a single match to any opponent. Eiji's celebration was particularly enthusiastic—this represented his first official tournament victory, even if it was only a regional qualifier that wouldn't even merit a mention in Yamabuki's trophy case.
The clean sweep did generate considerable buzz throughout the Tokyo tennis community. While other regional champions like Hyōtei had also advanced easily, none had achieved Yamabuki's level of total dominance. Even Hyōtei, fielding primarily their second-string players, had dropped several individual games along the way.
"So you're telling me Yamabuki won without losing a single match?"
At the Seigaku tennis courts, Coach Sumire Ryūzaki listened to her team captain's report with a deepening frown.
"That's right, Coach. They shut out every opponent, and Tezuka didn't even appear at the venue. The transferred players handled everything."
The information clearly troubled Ryuzaki, though she struggled to maintain her composure. "It's fine. We won our regional bracket too, didn't we? Yamabuki just got lucky with weak opposition. When they face truly strong schools in the Metropolitan Tournament, that paper tiger will be exposed for what it really is."
Her confidence seemed forced, almost desperate. While Seigaku might dominate their small regional bubble, they had historically struggled to even reach the Kanto Tournament. Meanwhile, Yamabuki had never missed Kanto competition since Coach Banji took over, regularly appearing in national tournaments as well. Even Hyōtei, despite their impressive championship record, treated Yamabuki as a serious rival rather than dismissing them.
Eiji's excitement over the regional victory was understandable, but in the greater scheme of Tokyo tennis, this had been merely a warm-up exercise. The real competition was about to begin with the Metropolitan Tournament, and the group drawings would determine everyone's path forward.
Typically, the team captain would attend the official draw ceremony, but with Tezuka still away on his training journey, Vice-Captain Minami Kentaro would represent Yamabuki. However, the actual lot-drawing honor would fall to Sengoku—after all, when you had someone with supernatural luck on your roster, why wouldn't you use that advantage?
The Metropolitan Tournament encompassed 128 teams from across Tokyo, representing every school that had successfully navigated regional qualification. From this massive field, only five teams would advance to Kanto competition: the four semifinalists plus one additional qualifying spot. The elimination rate was brutal enough to make the group draw a matter of intense scrutiny.
The tournament structure divided participants into four groups—A, B, C, and D—with 32 teams per group. Traditional powerhouses like Hyōtei and Yamabuki would be placed in different groups as seeded teams, ensuring they couldn't meet until the later stages. This year's seeding placed Yamabuki in Group A while Hyōtei claimed Group C, setting up a potential final showdown if both teams performed as expected.
The draw ceremony took place on a brilliantly sunny day, with representatives from all 128 schools gathering at the tournament headquarters. The atmosphere buzzed with nervous energy and competitive anticipation.
"Tsk, does that pretentious jerk really need all that drama?" Sengoku complained, gesturing toward the elaborate setup across the courtyard.
The target of his irritation sat beneath a designer parasol, lounging in a cushioned chair while sipping an iced beverage served by attendants. Atobe Keigo, Hyōtei's flamboyant representative, had transformed a simple administrative task into a personal showcase.
"Did you see how he acted during last year's finals?" Minami Kentaro grumbled alongside his teammate. "Completely over the top, like he was performing for cameras."
The memory still stung for both Yamabuki players. Their first appearance in a Tokyo final had been nerve-wracking enough without Atobe's psychological warfare. Every time he snapped his fingers, Hyōtei's massive cheering section would roar in unison:
"HYŌTEI WINS! YAMABUKI LOSES!"
The relentless chanting had rattled Sengoku during his crucial singles match, ultimately contributing to his defeat against a graduating third-year player. The momentum shift had cost them dearly, and Yamabuki's previous captain had eventually fallen to Atobe's endurance tactics in the deciding match.
That loss had left deep scars, particularly for Sengoku. His natural optimism and self-proclaimed "lucky" nature couldn't quite erase the sting of that defeat—especially since a victory in his match might have changed everything.
"Well, well, if it isn't our friends from Yamabuki Junior High," Atobe announced, having noticed their pointed stares. He rose from his makeshift throne and approached with theatrical confidence. "Perhaps we'll have the pleasure of facing each other in this year's final as well."
"This year's champion will definitely be Yamabuki," Minami Kentaro declared, puffing out his chest and meeting Atobe's gaze directly.
"How refreshing—such confidence," Atobe replied with an amused smile. "Though I should mention that last year's champions were, in fact, Hyōtei. History does tend to repeat itself."
"Kabaji, we should proceed to the drawing area," he called to his companion.
"Yes, Atobe-sama!"
The response came from an imposing figure who had been standing silently nearby—a mountain of a young man whose physical presence was genuinely intimidating.
"Why does this guy need to bring a personal servant to a lot drawing?" Minami Kentaro muttered. "And the servant is wearing Hyōtei's school uniform too."
The confusion was understandable. Kabaji Munehiro had been absent from competition the previous year, making him unknown to most opponents. His anxious demeanor and towering height made him appear decades older than his actual age.
"Taro, that's not actually Atobe's servant," Sengoku corrected quietly. "That's Kabaji Munehiro, one of Hyōtei's regular starters this year."
Though Inui had taken over most intelligence gathering duties after joining the team, Sengoku maintained his social connections throughout Tokyo tennis. His grudge against Hyōtei had motivated him to research their roster thoroughly.
"What?! That's a regular player?!" Minami Kentaro stared in disbelief. "How old is he?"
"First year, age thirteen."
Despite his own incredulity, Sengoku relayed the information he'd confirmed multiple times.
"Thirteen? He looks like he's pushing forty!"
"Come on, the draw is starting," Sengoku urged, pulling his teammate toward the official ceremony area.
When Sengoku's turn came, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and reached into the lot container with characteristic flair.
"Lucky!" he exclaimed happily, examining the paper in his hand.
Their first-round opponent would be Fudomine Middle School—a team that regularly appeared in Metropolitan competition but typically served as early-round fodder for stronger programs. Their current captain's face fell visibly upon learning they'd drawn Yamabuki, already resigned to another first-round elimination.
The group assignments were announced simultaneously across all categories. Like Yamabuki, Seigaku had been placed in Group A, setting up a potential semifinal clash if both teams advanced far enough.
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